Public Health is advising that the Special Measures Order requiring masks in indoor public spaces has been amended so that masks will no longer be mandatory in most indoor public spaces such as restaurants, stores, gyms, personal services and performance venues. Masking will continue to be mandatory in congregate living facilities for seniors and regional health authority facilities. Some businesses may also choose to maintain the mask requirement based on their own COVID-19 policies.
While not required in most indoor public spaces, masking is still recommended, especially when you are not always able to physically distance. Please be kind and do not judge anyone who continues to wear a mask to protect themselves and others.
As the province navigates life with COVID-19 and approach another flu season, there may be times when the risk of respiratory illness is higher and there may be a recommendation to take extra precautions, such as mask wearing. As always, decisions will be based on where the science leads.
More information on masks, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/public-health-guidance/guidance/masks/.
While the province is easing restrictions as epidemiology improves and more people get vaccinated and protected, it is important to continue to follow public health guidance.
- Practice good hygiene by washing your hands or use sanitizer, avoid touching your face, practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette and frequently clean and disinfect high-touch areas.
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Physically distance from those who are not your close contacts and keep your number of close contacts as low as possible.
- Choose outdoor gatherings over indoor gatherings when possible.
- When you do gather with others, avoid sharing food, drinks and other items.
It is also important to get tested if you experience one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include:
- Fever (including chills/sweats)
- Cough (new or worsening)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Runny, stuffy or congested nose (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes/conditions)
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Headache
- Acute loss of sense of smell or taste
- Unusual fatigue, lack of energy
- New onset of muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
- Small red or purple spots on hands and/or feet (this symptom applies to children only)
If you start to have symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home, self-isolate immediately and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment and testing referral tool. If you cannot access the self-assessment tool, please call 811.
For now, the most important thing that everyone can do to help bring this pandemic to an end is to be vaccinated. This is our way out and every dose matters. Additional information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout is on the government website at www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/vaccine/gettheshot/, as well as the websites for each of the regional health authorities:
Eastern Health
Central Health
Western Health
Labrador-Grenfell Health
People are encouraged to download COVID Alert to help reduce the spread of the virus. It is available free through the Apple or Google Play app stores.
Additional information related to COVID-19 can be found at https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/.
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Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca